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The Patron Saint of Lost Souls: The bewitching novel of getting your heart's desire
Jude is the owner of a rather special antiques shop in Cambridge. She finds all of the joy in her life matching people with the special something that they are missing, a talisman that will help bring them just what their heart most desires. Although Jude's life is certainly not overflowing with the love she would wish for ... when she 'inherits' a niece that she never knew existed, doubling her meagre family overnight, life is set to get a lot less empty and a lot more interesting.
Viola is on a quest for perfection and the top job of Head Chef at one of Cambridge's most prestigious restaurants to the exclusion of all else. When her path continues to cross that of widower and food historian Mathieu, she starts to see that there's a lot to life beyond the kitchen that she's been missing out on.
Viola is on a quest for perfection and the top job of Head Chef at one of Cambridge's most prestigious restaurants to the exclusion of all else. When her path continues to cross that of widower and food historian Mathieu, she starts to see that there's a lot to life beyond the kitchen that she's been missing out on.
352 pages, Paperback
Published May 24, 2018
79 people are currently reading
856 people want to read
About the author
Menna Van Praag
19 books875 followersMenna van Praag was born in Cambridge, England and studied Modern History at Oxford University. Her first novella - an autobiographical tale about a waitress who aspires to be a writer - Men, Money & Chocolate has been translated into 26 languages. Her magical realism novels are all set among the colleges, cafes and bookshops of Cambridge. The House at the End of Hope Street (2014), The Dress Shop of Dreams (2015), The Witches of Cambridge (2016), The Lost Art of Letter Writing (2017) & The Patron Saint of Lost Souls (2018). Her fantasy trilogy, The Sisters Grimm, was published (2020-24) by Transworld (UK) HarperVoyager (US). She's just published her first series of cozy crime novels: The Biscuit Tin Murders. The final book in the series is out January 31st...
Men, Money & Chocolate: 2009 (Hay House UK & US)
Happier Than She's Ever Been: 2011 (Hay House UK)
The House at the End of Hope Street: 2013 (Penguin US)
The Dress Shop of Dreams: 2014 (Random House US)
The Witches of Cambridge: 2015 (Random House US)
The Lost Art of Letter Writing: 2017 (Allison & Busby UK)
The Patron Saint of Lost Souls: 2018 (Allison & Busby UK)
The Sisters Grimm: 2020 (Transworld, UK & HarperVoyager US)
Night of Demons & Saints: 2022 (Transworld, UK & HarperVoyager US)
Child of Earth & Sky: 2023 (Transworld, UK)
The Biscuit Tin Murders: 2024-25 (Amazon).
Men, Money & Chocolate: 2009 (Hay House UK & US)
Happier Than She's Ever Been: 2011 (Hay House UK)
The House at the End of Hope Street: 2013 (Penguin US)
The Dress Shop of Dreams: 2014 (Random House US)
The Witches of Cambridge: 2015 (Random House US)
The Lost Art of Letter Writing: 2017 (Allison & Busby UK)
The Patron Saint of Lost Souls: 2018 (Allison & Busby UK)
The Sisters Grimm: 2020 (Transworld, UK & HarperVoyager US)
Night of Demons & Saints: 2022 (Transworld, UK & HarperVoyager US)
Child of Earth & Sky: 2023 (Transworld, UK)
The Biscuit Tin Murders: 2024-25 (Amazon).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 28, 2018
Menna van Praag does magical realism like no one else. I am a huge fan of her books and purchase them immediately when they become available. I only wish she could write faster!
The Patron Saint of Lost Souls is just as good as everything else she's written. I loved that she gave Etta, from a previous book, The Dress Shop of Dreams, a cameo in this story!
This author's characters are always so alive, they jump off the page and Patron was no exception. Gertie was such a dear character, wise beyond her years and I just wanted to hug her or meet her ~ or both! She's just one example of the lovely characters that populate this latest release from Ms. Van Praag. I only wish my writing in this review could in some way do justice to the special worlds she shares with her readers.
The Patron Saint of Lost Souls is just as good as everything else she's written. I loved that she gave Etta, from a previous book, The Dress Shop of Dreams, a cameo in this story!
This author's characters are always so alive, they jump off the page and Patron was no exception. Gertie was such a dear character, wise beyond her years and I just wanted to hug her or meet her ~ or both! She's just one example of the lovely characters that populate this latest release from Ms. Van Praag. I only wish my writing in this review could in some way do justice to the special worlds she shares with her readers.
December 14, 2019
Q:
It’s odd perhaps, but true, that because she has no witnesses to her life – no husband, no lover, no close friends – Jude often needs reminding that she’s alive, that she isn’t a ghost accidentally trapped along with all the other spirits in the labyrinthine antique shop. (c)
It’s odd perhaps, but true, that because she has no witnesses to her life – no husband, no lover, no close friends – Jude often needs reminding that she’s alive, that she isn’t a ghost accidentally trapped along with all the other spirits in the labyrinthine antique shop. (c)
January 8, 2019
Lovely book, although Viola and Mathieu kind of frustrated me. I loved Jude and Gertie though! Hope Gertie gets her own book at some point!!
August 21, 2019
4.5*
The story is told from three main perspectives—Jude, Viola and Mathieu and is set in Cambridge. Jude owns Gatsby’s, an antique shop full of extraordinary and special items waiting for the right person to come and buy them. She’s quite lonely, a solitary person. But all that begins to change when she receives a telephone call from child services with some completely unexpected news. Life for Jude is about to get much more interesting.
Jude’s heart lifts when she matches a person with their special item but she has always wished she could find her own lucky charm, but year after year it had escaped her. Now she doesn’t think about it much and just gets on with the day to day running of the shop. The exception is Christmas Eve.
Viola is a perfectionist. She learned from her father at a young age that if anything was worth doing, it was to be done with nothing less than excellence. Viola’s ambition, all she can think about, is to be head chef of the prestigious restaurant where she is employed, before she reaches thirty-six. To that end she works non stop, creating and perfecting dishes. Her boss has set his chefs a challenge—a cooking competition to be held on Christmas Eve. The winner would receive the title of head chef. Viola is on track with a dish she’s happy with…then she meets Mathieu.
Mathieu, a widower with a young son, has relocated to Cambridge from his native Paris. Mathieu worries about his son who is still suffering from the loss of his mother.
The Patron Saint of Lost Souls is a delightful story of new beginnings, love and loss with a flavour of magical realism running through. Set around Christmas time, the season itself very much in the background, the story weaves through the lives and different relationships with a directness that makes them all the more authentic, as their stories merge and they adjust to the changes thrust upon them. The characters themselves are wonderfully drawn and engaging, their emotions thoroughly believable. I enjoyed Jude and young Gertie, who is wise beyond her years. Menna van Praag captures the essence of magical elements in her books so well. I love the idea of matching people with objects that hold a special significance for that certain person. This is the second book I’ve read and have another in my to be read pile.
The story is told from three main perspectives—Jude, Viola and Mathieu and is set in Cambridge. Jude owns Gatsby’s, an antique shop full of extraordinary and special items waiting for the right person to come and buy them. She’s quite lonely, a solitary person. But all that begins to change when she receives a telephone call from child services with some completely unexpected news. Life for Jude is about to get much more interesting.
Jude’s heart lifts when she matches a person with their special item but she has always wished she could find her own lucky charm, but year after year it had escaped her. Now she doesn’t think about it much and just gets on with the day to day running of the shop. The exception is Christmas Eve.
Viola is a perfectionist. She learned from her father at a young age that if anything was worth doing, it was to be done with nothing less than excellence. Viola’s ambition, all she can think about, is to be head chef of the prestigious restaurant where she is employed, before she reaches thirty-six. To that end she works non stop, creating and perfecting dishes. Her boss has set his chefs a challenge—a cooking competition to be held on Christmas Eve. The winner would receive the title of head chef. Viola is on track with a dish she’s happy with…then she meets Mathieu.
Mathieu, a widower with a young son, has relocated to Cambridge from his native Paris. Mathieu worries about his son who is still suffering from the loss of his mother.
The Patron Saint of Lost Souls is a delightful story of new beginnings, love and loss with a flavour of magical realism running through. Set around Christmas time, the season itself very much in the background, the story weaves through the lives and different relationships with a directness that makes them all the more authentic, as their stories merge and they adjust to the changes thrust upon them. The characters themselves are wonderfully drawn and engaging, their emotions thoroughly believable. I enjoyed Jude and young Gertie, who is wise beyond her years. Menna van Praag captures the essence of magical elements in her books so well. I love the idea of matching people with objects that hold a special significance for that certain person. This is the second book I’ve read and have another in my to be read pile.
August 24, 2019
4.5 ⭐
Loved this one! All of Menna's books have such a cozy, magical feel. I loved the nod to characters from previous books. Beautifully written with amazing characters and a plot that leaves you wondering what awaits around the next corner.
Loved this one! All of Menna's books have such a cozy, magical feel. I loved the nod to characters from previous books. Beautifully written with amazing characters and a plot that leaves you wondering what awaits around the next corner.
August 20, 2019
Lovely xx
April 2, 2020
I love these books so much. They stand alone beautifully, but there are those subtle overlaps that make my heart sing. Beautifully written, easy to read. Makes my poor single heart believe again.
December 25, 2018
BQ ✒ - "The special shoppers who step inside Gatsby's want something much more then a trinket, they want something far more precious ... the one they will rub like a magic lamp while the whispers of their desires echo in their hearts"
I devoured this in the #25in5 challenge over the weekend. Menna van Praag charmed me when I first read one of her books, and so glad I got to read more!
1.✔I love the romantic setting of Cambridge, UK that flows through all of Menna's books I have read to date. If you have never been there, it is a beautiful city rich with history and blow your mind architecture that you can get lost in. Menna effortlessly incorporates the charm of Cambridge into her plots and I can't get enough of it
2.✔This was not an obvious Christmas story but perfect for the holiday season. It brought that subtle sense of holiday magic to life embodied in loveable characters. It reminded me of my favourite Christmas films, "Love Actually" and "The Holiday", where happiness and love, in its many forms, always wins
3.✔The most heart warming story for me was between Jude and Gertie. Jude is a character which is a recognisable for a lot of women. Not only does Menna work with classic charming romance, but also the importance of family and self love ❤ These two characters warmed my heart so much
Thank you again @menna.vanpraag for a heart warming, beautiful story. It lifted my holiday spirit
I devoured this in the #25in5 challenge over the weekend. Menna van Praag charmed me when I first read one of her books, and so glad I got to read more!
1.✔I love the romantic setting of Cambridge, UK that flows through all of Menna's books I have read to date. If you have never been there, it is a beautiful city rich with history and blow your mind architecture that you can get lost in. Menna effortlessly incorporates the charm of Cambridge into her plots and I can't get enough of it
2.✔This was not an obvious Christmas story but perfect for the holiday season. It brought that subtle sense of holiday magic to life embodied in loveable characters. It reminded me of my favourite Christmas films, "Love Actually" and "The Holiday", where happiness and love, in its many forms, always wins
3.✔The most heart warming story for me was between Jude and Gertie. Jude is a character which is a recognisable for a lot of women. Not only does Menna work with classic charming romance, but also the importance of family and self love ❤ These two characters warmed my heart so much
Thank you again @menna.vanpraag for a heart warming, beautiful story. It lifted my holiday spirit
December 31, 2018
Despite the fact that I found the ending predictable from about the middle of the book, I still really loved this. Sometimes a predictable ending, especially a happy one, is what I really want.
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December 27, 2019An other amazing story of Menna van Praag! She has an incredible talent in making you see magic in the everyday life things trough her stories and does it again with this one! The Patron Saint of Lost Souls is filled with a raw and pure honesty about any kind of relationship one might have... Be it with a lover, a parent, a business, food or even an amulet. She knows how to make you feel it, picture it and how to get the reader sucked in in her wonderful storytelling as if you were there yourself! This story moved me, I loved it and I will read it again many times over! I recommend it to anyone who loves a story with real characters in a story of true magic, kindness and love.
July 31, 2022
It is a nice enough story, but I dislike all characters. Jude is a bit oversensitive and too soft. A whimp. Gertie is too selfcentered and full of herself to be likable, Viola is a bit of a bitch and feels so very sorry for herself because she lost her father who is rather dubious. Matthieu should grow a spine in his relationship with his son, and the son should learn to take others into consideration. So mostly I dislike them all.
Also I'm having difficulties with believing that people are really like that.
But I'm halfway through the book, maybe they will get better.
---------- Well, it didn't. It goes straight to the second hand bookstore, I will definitely not read it again.
Also I'm having difficulties with believing that people are really like that.
But I'm halfway through the book, maybe they will get better.
---------- Well, it didn't. It goes straight to the second hand bookstore, I will definitely not read it again.
October 6, 2019
Kind of like a slice of Red velvet cake, sweet but slightly mysterious as one never really knows where the 'red' colour actually comes from!
The Patron Saint of Lost Things has some interesting charming characters, quirky romances & some elements of magical realism but just not enough to take us through to the other side of the looking glass.
It is a fun, light read when you're in the mood for a slice of red velvet cake.
The Patron Saint of Lost Things has some interesting charming characters, quirky romances & some elements of magical realism but just not enough to take us through to the other side of the looking glass.
It is a fun, light read when you're in the mood for a slice of red velvet cake.
May 29, 2018
I was lucky enough to get a free copy from the author herself and it, just like all her other novels, didn’t disappoint. I love the backdrop of Cambridge and the cheeky dress shop of dreams crossover.
August 22, 2018
The Patron Saint of Lost Souls was a wonderful book. The characters in he story really developed as the book moved along. I felt the ending was a little rushed and the middle moved a little slow, but overall another magical book from Meena van Praag.
August 18, 2019
I liked this book but I would have liked more about the antique store and it’s magic. The ending was a little rushed - not terrible, but I cared about Jude and wanted to dwell a bit more on her romance. Still a good read !
November 30, 2019
Enjoyed this but not as much as 'The Dress Shop of Dreams'. Towards the end made some leaps in the story that I would have liked to know more about. I like the way she ties her other books to each story.
June 23, 2018
I love Menna Van Praag’s books! They are delicious!
August 13, 2018
Perfect laying by the pool read!
September 1, 2018
Love love love this book. Menna van Praag is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. Beautifully written, with wonderful characters.
January 16, 2020
This book should be on prescription, it’s an amazing feel good book to really lift your spirits.
December 30, 2019
I thought the writing style--the words, the characters, the storyline were all glorious. I didn't want this book to end. When I reached the last page and turned it (it's on my Kindle so I didn't know it was the final), I flipped to the next and felt letdown to learn these characters weren't going to continue on as my daily companions. I read the novel too fast and so let it end too soon...
The link to the dress shop from the past novel was clever and endearing. If only this author could write faster so I can gobble up the latest addition and edition. :-)
My sole objection was, with a book this charming--set in contemporary times yet bearing and old-fashioned and somewhat genteel air--was being hit several times with f-bombs which broke the narrative and rudely slapped the gentle ambiance. Each time one appeared, it was jarring and felt inappropriate. Other than that, I relished every minute spent with these characters. It felt as genuine as any Anne Tyler novel to me--which I rate as being a very-high compliment.
The link to the dress shop from the past novel was clever and endearing. If only this author could write faster so I can gobble up the latest addition and edition. :-)
My sole objection was, with a book this charming--set in contemporary times yet bearing and old-fashioned and somewhat genteel air--was being hit several times with f-bombs which broke the narrative and rudely slapped the gentle ambiance. Each time one appeared, it was jarring and felt inappropriate. Other than that, I relished every minute spent with these characters. It felt as genuine as any Anne Tyler novel to me--which I rate as being a very-high compliment.
November 14, 2021
Contains: A magical shop, evocative descriptions of food, and feel good vibes.
Genre(s): Magical Realism, Romance
Summery: Viola and Jude are two completely different women. One is career obsessed, completely absorbed in becoming head chef at the fancy French restaurant she works in. The other leads a completely lonely life running an antique shop we grants wishes to it's customers, but not her. One day, everything completely changes for these two women. One of them falls in love, the other discovers family she never knew she had. Both have to navigate these new, surprising paths of life.
What I enjoyed about this story: Such strong feel good vibes which is great if you're in need of a pick-me-up. The concept of the magical antique store was pretty cool - I enjoyed that. Likable characters you could relate to and the romance was decent.
What I didn't enjoy about this story: I wish the author had focused more on the antique store and its magic rather than the foodie side of the story.
Official rating: 4 stars
Genre(s): Magical Realism, Romance
Summery: Viola and Jude are two completely different women. One is career obsessed, completely absorbed in becoming head chef at the fancy French restaurant she works in. The other leads a completely lonely life running an antique shop we grants wishes to it's customers, but not her. One day, everything completely changes for these two women. One of them falls in love, the other discovers family she never knew she had. Both have to navigate these new, surprising paths of life.
What I enjoyed about this story: Such strong feel good vibes which is great if you're in need of a pick-me-up. The concept of the magical antique store was pretty cool - I enjoyed that. Likable characters you could relate to and the romance was decent.
What I didn't enjoy about this story: I wish the author had focused more on the antique store and its magic rather than the foodie side of the story.
Official rating: 4 stars
November 29, 2019
Jude is the owner of a rather special antiques shop in Cambridge. She finds all of the joy in her life matching people with the special something that they are missing, a talisman that will help bring them just what their heart most desires. Although Jude's life is certainly not overflowing with the love she would wish for ... when she 'inherits' a niece that she never knew existed, doubling her meagre family overnight, life is set to get a lot less empty and a lot more interesting.
Viola is on a quest for perfection and the top job of Head Chef at one of Cambridge's most prestigious restaurants to the exclusion of all else. When her path continues to cross that of widower and food historian Mathieu, she starts to see that there's a lot to life beyond the kitchen that she's been missing out on.
A beautiful book in the 'magical realism' genre. Viola and Matthieu were a little frustrating but Gertie was such a beautiful character that I could have read about her forever.
Viola is on a quest for perfection and the top job of Head Chef at one of Cambridge's most prestigious restaurants to the exclusion of all else. When her path continues to cross that of widower and food historian Mathieu, she starts to see that there's a lot to life beyond the kitchen that she's been missing out on.
A beautiful book in the 'magical realism' genre. Viola and Matthieu were a little frustrating but Gertie was such a beautiful character that I could have read about her forever.
November 8, 2019
I love the way this author writes. She's able to sprinkle magic into her books but it doesn't feel like a supernatural read. I'm a huge fan of hers and find that once I begin reading them I have a difficult time putting them down until I finish the book. If only she could write faster. Her characters are always so believable that they feel like they could jump right out of the book. I love the character Gertie so much and I hope that the author develops a book about her in the future. I loved how there were ups and downs, just like in real-life, and how relationships that seems that would never take root ended up coming together. When the book ends you just kind of hug it to your chest and let out a little happy sigh. That's what I love so much about Ms. Van Praag's writing style. Off to read another one of her books.
November 14, 2021
The story follows two women - career driven Viola who is a fancy chef, and perpetually lonely Jude who owns a magical antique store. Viola crashes head over heels for a Frenchman whilst Jude discovers she has a niece. Both struggle to navigate the new paths they've found themselves on and try to avoid the many pitfalls of life.
I really needed a boost lately and this was an amazing feel-good book that gave it to me. It was sweet. I especially appreciated the realistic yet likable characters you can easily relate to, the gentle magic woven through the story, and a (somewhat) happy ending. However, I would have liked the author to have focused more on Jude and the antique store rather than Viola. The antique store and it’s magic was so interesting. But other than that no complaints.
I really needed a boost lately and this was an amazing feel-good book that gave it to me. It was sweet. I especially appreciated the realistic yet likable characters you can easily relate to, the gentle magic woven through the story, and a (somewhat) happy ending. However, I would have liked the author to have focused more on Jude and the antique store rather than Viola. The antique store and it’s magic was so interesting. But other than that no complaints.
March 18, 2020
I've enjoyed all of Menna van Praag's stories. She has quite a nice little magical enclave going on in Cambridge now! I appreciated that all of the separate threads in the storytelling were woven together by the end, including one from another book! I found it interesting that although Jude had a terrible father, and Viola had a devoted one, as adults they both continued to suffer from their fathers' influences on their young lives. Although I felt the book was a little on the fluffy side while reading it, now that I'm looking back on it, I'm realizing that there were some strong underlying messages supporting it all along.
May 10, 2020
Since I was little, I've always loved stories and respected their power to absorb you and carry you away.
In this case it was to Cambridge and to Paris and in reading, I was almost in love with both of the eventually intertwined female characters. Such is reading....such are stories! ...and what's wrong with Cambridge, which I've always loved? Paris I know less of!! One business trip only.....
I'm going to read more of Menna van Praag's books, why wouldn't I, having read one? I really enjoyed the characters and liked her storytelling. Sometimes you need a story, sometimes you need to root for the characters and want them to be happy!!!!
In this case it was to Cambridge and to Paris and in reading, I was almost in love with both of the eventually intertwined female characters. Such is reading....such are stories! ...and what's wrong with Cambridge, which I've always loved? Paris I know less of!! One business trip only.....
I'm going to read more of Menna van Praag's books, why wouldn't I, having read one? I really enjoyed the characters and liked her storytelling. Sometimes you need a story, sometimes you need to root for the characters and want them to be happy!!!!
May 2, 2021
It's been so long since I read a British rom-com, (and listened to an audiobook with a British accent), that this one came as a nice surprise. I have to admit, some British narrators on audible.com are simply unable to captivate me, rather they irritate me, but here, narrator, Karen Cass, did a pretty good job rendering these various characters. From my rating, you can guess, that I wasn't completely taken in by this book, as some of the language was inappropriate, and felt totally out of place to general feel of the book. Moreover, the characters could have done with a bit more depth and originality. One thing I especially liked, was the back-drop of the town of Cambridge, UK.
May 2, 2024
Sweet magical story following Viola and Jude.
Viola is a workaholic chef with all her focus on her next career move, until she meets a father and son who make her question her priorities.
Jude is the reclusive owner of a magical antique shop. She is surprised to become the caretaker of a niece she never knew of and it forces her to expand her world. Gertie, her niece, has a very special way with the people. The love interests and side stories tie together these women in fun intriguing ways.
It’s sweet, not overly complicated, but still emotional poignant.
Viola is a workaholic chef with all her focus on her next career move, until she meets a father and son who make her question her priorities.
Jude is the reclusive owner of a magical antique shop. She is surprised to become the caretaker of a niece she never knew of and it forces her to expand her world. Gertie, her niece, has a very special way with the people. The love interests and side stories tie together these women in fun intriguing ways.
It’s sweet, not overly complicated, but still emotional poignant.
January 7, 2020
Menna van Praag is a wonderful author and I have loved all her books. She does magical realism so well; it's effortlessly woven into every book and is so realistic and, yes, possible!
I started this book on Christmas Eve and indeed it is set at Christmas time where very-aptly-named Jude, Viola and Matthieu are all attempting to cope with some form of loss, all with varying levels of success. Although all the stories are set in the here and now in Cambridge which I know well, so that's an added bonus when reading, they have an old-fashioned magical quality about the writing, the atmosphere and the settings. My only criticism is that there was far, far, far too much swearing.
Characters are well drawn and their emotions are real and believable right up to the end when our ensemble cast come together seamlessly in a way that you always expected they would. I read a book called the Memory Shop which also had the idea of matching people in a shop to a particular object that was right for them, but not with a magical element as Jude does in her antique emporium Gatsby's. She helps them to find what they are lacking, but when does that happen for her?
Themes of transformation and brand new beginnings mix with the settings of previous stories; one of the best bits was when Jude bought her new dress from the Dress Shop of Dreams, how wonderful was that?
A truly magical read.
I started this book on Christmas Eve and indeed it is set at Christmas time where very-aptly-named Jude, Viola and Matthieu are all attempting to cope with some form of loss, all with varying levels of success. Although all the stories are set in the here and now in Cambridge which I know well, so that's an added bonus when reading, they have an old-fashioned magical quality about the writing, the atmosphere and the settings. My only criticism is that there was far, far, far too much swearing.
Characters are well drawn and their emotions are real and believable right up to the end when our ensemble cast come together seamlessly in a way that you always expected they would. I read a book called the Memory Shop which also had the idea of matching people in a shop to a particular object that was right for them, but not with a magical element as Jude does in her antique emporium Gatsby's. She helps them to find what they are lacking, but when does that happen for her?
Themes of transformation and brand new beginnings mix with the settings of previous stories; one of the best bits was when Jude bought her new dress from the Dress Shop of Dreams, how wonderful was that?
A truly magical read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews